University Offers Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Thu,
11/07/2019 - 12:51pm | By: Tara Burcham

The new online master’s degree in criminal justice is an ideal fit for students with
an undergraduate degree in criminal justice, criminology or other related majors who
have an interest in careers in the criminal justice sector.

According to Dr. Lisa Nored, Director of the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic
Science, and Security at The University of Southern Mississippi, the program has unique
characteristics that make it the right choice for many students, including quality
instruction by prominent scholars and convenience for working professionals.

“This degree is a perfect fit for working professionals who desire to further their
education or obtain credentialing to advance professionally,” says Nored.

According to Nored, admission requirements to the program include:

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology or closely-related field

0 Minimum GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework

Competitive GRE scores (verbal and quantitative)

Three letters of recommendation

Statement of Interest/Intent regarding graduate education and professional goals

Resume

Nored says the program is one that allows students to build upon their undergraduate
education and open up new career opportunities, including possible future job titles
such as crime analyst, federal, state or local law enforcement, community college
instructor, or administrative positions in corrections, policing, and juvenile justice.

Dr. Tom Hutchinson, director of the Office of Online Learning, says the new online
master’s degree in Criminal Justice creates career opportunities for working professionals.
“Across the country, there are a number of law enforcement and criminal justice professionals
wanting to improve their career opportunities,” says Hutchinson. “This degree can
open new doors and put their career on the fast-track.”

Nored says the degree not only improves career options for graduates, but also gives
them new tools. “After completing our program, graduates are equipped to apply theoretical
and applied knowledge to issues within the justice and public policy contexts,” says
Nored. “This gives them the skills for advanced investigation, examination, and analysis
of issues within modern systems.”

Dr. Amy Chasteen Miller, executive vice provost for academic affairs at Southern Miss,
says this new degree is an opportunity for Southern Miss to give students a competitive
edge. “By sharpening their skills, we are support their success and enhance the availability
of highly qualified professionals to work in the field of security, corrections and
law enforcement across the country.”